Fantasy News and Notes – July 31, 2014

Josh Gordon, Cleveland Browns – ProFootballTalk is reporting that Gordon “barely” failed his drug test and his legal team is blaming second hand smoke for having it in his system. Gordon is also working with the same lawyer who got Richard Sherman out of his 4 game suspensions, so there is still a shot he’ll avoid a full year suspension. I wouldn’t waste a high pick on him, but if your league mates forget about him and he slides to the late rounds, he’s worth taking a gamble on.

Steven Jackson, Atlanta Falcons – Suffered a hamstring strain in training camp. The good news it’s not the hamstring he injured last year but the Falcons are going to take it easy with him and are concerned it could turn in to something bigger. Devonta Freeman should be next in line in the backfield. We highlighted Freeman in our Running Backs To Target post, and if your league has already started get him now… his stock is about to soar if it hasn’t already.

Arian Foster, Houston Texans – Tweaked his hamstring in practice and missed two days but returned to full practice on Wednesday. Foster should be healthy for week 1, but coming off a year where he struggled with hamstring and back issues, these little tweaks are a concern for a running back of his age.

David Wilson, New York Giants – Suffered a neck “burner” in practice and has been shut down indefinitely. The Giants are sending Wilson for a battery of tests and are taking no chances with him this time. I’m no doctor but I have a feeling we’ve seen the last of Wilson in the NFL and I wouldn’t be willing to spend much to acquire him in any league. Rashad Jennings is expected to be the lead back with rookie Andre Williams on short yardage and goal line carries.

Geno Atkins, Cincinnati Bengals – The Bengals activated Atkins off the PUP list, which is great news for our #3 rated Bengals defense. Cincinnati clearly wasn’t the same without Atkins, and if he’s truly healthy he’s a huge difference maker.

Brandin Cooks, New Orleans Saints – Cooks has reportedly been very impressive in Saints camp thus far. Want to get excited about our #2 ranked rookie receiver? Watch this video posted by the Saints twitter account.

Odell Beckham Jr, New York Giants – Aggravated a hamstring injury suffered in OTA’s and the Giants are making sure their number one pick is fully healthy before letting him get back on the field. Beckham’s long-term outlook is bright, but fantasy owners in redraft leagues shouldn’t expect much this season.

Aaron Dobson, New England Patriots – It was revealed over the weekend that the stress fracture suffered by Dobson last season was more serious than originally thought, with a screw inserted in his foot to help prevent future injuries. Dobson was expected to be the Patriots deep threat this season but there is currently no timetable for his return.

Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills – Jackson signed a 1-year $2.6M extension, further convoluting the Bills backfield situation. With C.J. Spiller healthy again Jackson should return to a low end committee role in fantasy, especially with Bryce Brown breathing down his neck.

Ronnie Hillman, Denver Broncos – Reports out of Broncos camp have Hillman running as the team’s number two back behind Montee Ball. I still believe C.J. Anderson is the backup to own here, but the Broncos spent a 3rd round pick on Hillman two years ago so they have every reason to see what they have in him.

Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings – Bridgewater is reportedly splitting starter reps with Matt Cassel in camp. The team’s #1 starter has not yet been determined but I would bet the Vikes let Cassel start for at least a month before throwing Teddy to the wolves. Neither QB should be counted on in all but the deepest of leagues.